Existing comment:
A New National Capital: 1790-1802:
The need for a permanent capital was glaringly evident even during the American Revolution. Wartime strife forced the Continental Congress and then the Congress of the Confederation to meet in eight locations in four different states.
Even after the British abandoned Philadelphia in 1778, a near-mutiny in 1783 by unpaid soldiers in the Revolutionary Army led Congress to adjourn to Princeton, New Jersey. After ratification of the Constitution in 1789, Congress began to debate proposals for a secure seat of government, where it would have exclusive jurisdiction.
In July 1790, President George Washington signed the Residence Act and appointed commissioners to survey, purchase land, and provide suitable buildings for Congress, the President, and the executive departments. Washington chose a site that included portions of Maryland and Virginia -- an area he knew well as a local landowner.
By 1800, a small commission controlled Washington City and the rest of the federal district. The local governments of Alexandria and Georgetown operated independently under their former state laws. In 1801, Congress took direct control and created Washington County and Alexandria County. The President nominated and Congress approved county officers including justices of the peace, a levy court, and other federal officials.
"It is with you, gentlemen, to consider whether the local powers over the District of Columbia vested by the constitution in the Congress of the United States, shall be immediately exercised. If... this important trust ought now be executed, you cannot fail... to take into view the future probably situation of the territory for the happiness of which you are about to provide. You will consider it as the capital of a great nation..."
-- President John Adams, 1800
Chronology:
1967:
The nine-member appointed Council under the DC Government Reorganization Act meets for the first time in the District (Wilson) Building (November 7). John Hechinger is designated Chair. Walter E Fauntroy, Vice-Chair. Three Republicans serve on this first appointed Council.
1970:
A bronze bust of former Commissioner John B. Duncan is unveiled in a ceremony and placed on public display outside the Council Chamber. The sculpture is the work of Nathaniel P. Gillian. Duncan preferred a bust to customary oil portraits of Commissioners.
Citizen meetings in District (Wilson) Building lead to organization of DC Statehood Party. |